Patent GB-1150891-A (GB)
Title: Packaging Apparatus
IPC: B29C51/00
Filed: 1966-05-25
Abstract: 1,150,891. Packaging confectionery. F. A. HANI, and A. HNI, [trading as HNI, PROLECTRON GEB.]. 25 May, 1966 [26 May, 1965], No. 23472/66. Heading B8C. [Also in Division B5] Packaging apparatus for producing from thermoplastic films, packages with at least one welded seam around an article, comprises two plates 1, 2 between which the films 7, 8 are pressed and each having an open endless passage corresponding in configuration to the welded seam to be produced in the face thereof, means including a hot air conduit to supply hot air to the passage in the face of one of the plates to weld the seam and sever the package from the remainder of the film, a suction air conduit, and means for connecting both passages to the suction air conduit and for connecting one of the passages to the hot air conduit and simultaneously the other passage to the suction air conduit. As shown, apparatus for packaging a chocolate hare 3 comprises a fixed plate 1 with a trough 11 shaped to receive the hare 3 and about the edge of which runs an opening 12 delimited by the lips of a slotted nozzle 4. A movable plate 2 is slidable on guide bolts 6 and is provided by a similar trough 21 and an opening 22 delimited by the lips of a slotted nozzle 5. Preferably, the plates 1, 2 are made of polytetrafluorethylene to prevent adhesion of the films 7, 8 thereto. An air pump, a hot air blower and valves (all not shown) are also provided so that either the nozzles 4, 5 may be connected to the suction side of the pump or the nozzle 4 and/or 5 may be connected to the hot air blower. In operation, the nozzles 4, 5 are connected to the pump so that the films 7, 8 are held on the plates 1, 2. The hare 3 is laid on the film 8 over the trough 11 and the plate 2 is lowered so that the films 7, 8 arch into the troughs 21, 11 respectively. After the plates 1, 2 have closed, pressure is applied to the plate 2, the suction line is disconnected from the nozzles 4, 5 and hot air is supplied through the nozzle 4, preferably in a continuous circuit, to cut and weld the films 7, 8. The hot air is then shut off and the plate 2 withdrawn. In modifications (not shown), separate means are provided for pressing together and covering the films on both sides of the location of the seam and for the direction of the hot air stream upon the films, e.g. a movable nozzle may be provided or the films may be moved relatively to a fixed nozzle. In a further modification (not shown), the plates 1, 2 have channels or pores opening into the troughs 11, 21 and communicating with the suction source to suck the films 7, 8 on to the walls of the troughs 11, 21 to effect shaping before the hare 3 is positioned. The film may be preheated by blowing hot air thereon to assist the shaping. After welding, warm air may be introduced through the channels or pores to shrink the film about the hare. Subsequently, compressed air may be directed through the channels or pores to facilitate removal of the package. In another modification (not shown) a film is introduced between the films 7, 8 and one object inserted above and another below this film.